In the Meantime: Pray

Introduction:

Three Things to Pray For While We Wait for Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5):

  1. The Message to go out. (2 Thes 3:1)
    1. The Word of God to Advance .

      Psalm 147:15 - He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

    2. The Word of God to be Accepted .
  1. The Messengers to be protected . (2 Thes 3:2-3)
    1. Protection from evil Men .
    2. Protection from the evil One .
  2. The Motivation to come from the Lord (2 Thes 3:4-5)
    1. God's Love .

      John 14:15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

    2. Christ's Steadfastness .

      Deut 6:24 - And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always...

      1 Peter 2:23 - When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. What are some reasons you think many Christians struggle with consistent prayer? What one piece of advice would you give someone who struggles with consistent prayer?

  3. Why are New Testament evangelistic prayers (see 2 Thes 3:1) directed at those who are bringing the Word, instead of those who need saved? How should this shape the way we pray?

  4. What are specific ways “wicked and evil men” (see 2 Thes 3:2) inflict harm on those in the church? How does God “deliver” (ie, rescue) us from them?

Breakout
Pray for some of the things this passage calls us to pray for.